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Cherokee 411, with Cherokee Nation citizen and Oklahoma State Sen. Ally Seifried, District 2


By Cara Cowan Watts, Cherokee 411


CLAREMORE, Okla. — Oklahoma State Sen. Ally Seifried sat down with Cherokee 411 for an in-depth video podcast to discuss her roots, her work at the Capitol, and her priorities for education, literacy, and community engagement across Senate District 2.




Seifried, a ninth-generation Oklahoman and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, was born at the Claremore Indian Hospital and raised in Claremore. She comes from deep Cherokee and Oklahoma roots that continue to shape her public service. Raised in a large extended family (the Warrens and Collins of Rogers County) alongside her brothers, Seifried said she learned early the value of accountability, teamwork, and hard work. She and her husband, JP, are both Cherokee Nation citizens and come from families who own small business, a background she said gives her firsthand insight into the challenges facing working families and entrepreneurs.


Seifried described her path into politics as unexpected. Initially hesitant to run, she said her decision to seek office came from a deep love of her home community and her belief that deep roots, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to listen uniquely qualified her to represent her hometown.


Her most notable education accomplishment has been Senate Bill 139, legislation that removes cell phones from classrooms on a bell-to-bell basis. Seifried explained that the effort began as a pilot program and required multiple legislative sessions to advance. The bill passed the Senate in 2025 and allows districts flexibility after the 2025–2026 school year. Early results, she said, show increased library usage, improved classroom management, and reduced distractions for students and teachers.



Looking ahead, Seifried said her next focus is strengthening literacy and numeracy, particularly through early identification and support for students who struggle in foundational skills. She emphasized that addressing these gaps early can change long-term academic outcomes.

Community engagement remains central to her work. Seifried and Watts discussed reaching Cherokee citizens and constituents through social media, personal updates, and direct conversations, while acknowledging the challenge of balancing family life with the demands of public office. Authentic communication, Seifried said, builds trust.


The conversation also turned to history and celebration. Seifried shared her excitement about the upcoming 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In honor of the milestone, she has relaunched the Senate District 2 Junior Senator Reading Challenge, encouraging K–8 students to read 25 books by April 1, 2026, with a certificate of recognition, and one lucky classroom will get to visit her at the Oklahoma State Capitol this spring.


For Seifried, promoting literacy, celebrating history, and strengthening education are deeply connected. She said each effort is about investing in the next generation and honoring the communities that shaped her.


Related Websites and Resources:


Official Oklahoma Senate Biography and Contact Information Official state page with biography, committee assignments, press releases, and contact details. https://oksenate.gov/senators/ally-seifried


Ally Seifried Campaign Website Campaign priorities, background, and updates on legislative work. https://allyseifried.com/


Junior Senator Reading Challenge Program details and sign-up for K–8 students in Senate District 2. https://juniorsenatorreadingchallenge.com/


Oklahoma Senate Press Release: Senate Bill 139 Official release on the passage of legislation restricting cell phone use in classrooms. https://oksenate.gov/press-releases


Cherokee 411 Independent news and community coverage focused on Cherokee citizens and Indian Country. https://cherokee411.com

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